Some injuries of the musculoskeletal system are so severe that the only way left for doctors to save the victim is to amputate an affected limb. Needless to say, leading a normal life becomes a daily challenge for both amputees and their family members. Fortunately, Social Security Disability benefits are available for those who have had amputations, provided the claimant meets the eligibility criteria listed in the section related to Disability Evaluation for the Musculoskeletal System in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book. The Blue Book separates amputations into four categories. The claimant must fall into at least one of these four categories of amputations in order to be eligible for SSD benefits.
The first qualifying condition is when both hands of a claimant have been amputated. The second qualifying condition states that an amputee is eligible if one or both legs are amputated at or above the ankle. In addition, that claimant should be experiencing difficulties in movement for a period of at least 12 months. Third, a claimant will also be eligible if one or both hands are amputated at or above the wrist. The rules for the ability to move remain the same as in the previous case. The fourth type of amputation for which benefits are available pertain to the total amputation of a lower limb, also known as “hip disarticulation,” or the amputation of one half of the pelvis and also the leg on that side of the body, also known as “hemipelvectomy.”
There are people in Columbus and nearby areas in Franklin County who may agree that despite the clearly laid-out rules and regulations, obtaining SSD benefits for physical disabilities is often a challenge for claimants and their families. While come claims are rejected due to insufficient medical expenses, others may be rejected due to an incorrect income assessment.